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My first visit to a pain clinic

I had my first visit with a pain clinic on Wednesday. I was not expecting to be impressed. I have been passed around this group of doctors since December now and none of them really seem to know the difference between an acute spinal cord injury and a chronic injury. I was amazingly surprised. I have never been to a pain clinic before. I have never been to a doctor who wasn't pushing anti-depressants at me either.

My first visit consisted of talking to a care coordinator for two hours about three weeks ago. I can't even remember most of that conversation. Wednesday's visit involved talking to a 4th year resident along with the pharmacist who re-arranaged some of the meds I was already taking and added a couple of drugs none of which are anti-depressants. I can email this Care coordinator at anytime and I am expected to.I have never had that kind of patient/provider relationship.

I am set up to have an MRi on Friday because it has been 9 years since I have had any scans and I am also referred to a physiatrist who specializes in chronic aging spinal cord injuries as well as a counselor who specializes in people with chronic pain who can in the doctors words "connect me to the applicable community resources that I need". That will also include appointments with an orthotist and a urologist.

I had so much anxiety and worry over this appointment. I had to sign a contract that I would only see that practice and they would prescribe my meds and I would use only one pharmacy. They drug test every time I go. I really don't mind this now that I have met the Pharm D running the program and know that his goals and my goals are the same.

I think for me him just saying "I get it" meant alot. I did not have to explain in detail what being on fire meant and he did not ask me to describe it.

The night before my appointment I had not slept at all. We had storms and my legs were on fire all night long. So I was tearful and very truthful with him as to how the pain has effected my quality of life. I am not usually that open even with my doctors and maybe that is part of my problem....

I'm impressed and currently in search of this type clinic. So far my experiences of getting the urine test, blood pressure, weigh me and ask questions. I had all my CAT, MRI, and X-rays with me, he didn't look at them. Lot's more, but anyway, I am happy for you, I hope this turns out to be your tiny sanctuary.

Is it named a pain management clinic, or are they calling themselves something else? I would love to find what you have.

Sounds similar to mine T. I hope they continue the good treatment. It sounds like you found a good one. My pain clinic was the first place I did'nt have to explain in detail what I meant about burning etc. They knew what I was talking about, and even knew about burning more when the weather got bad.

That sounds great. It is so important to have people who "get it." It is also such a relief when you are able to find someone who does. I hope this is just the start of a productive relationship that lessens your pain levels.

I had not looked him up until today. I was referred by my physician in the Internal Med Clinic.

Arndog he upped my Topamax to three times a day and the Ultram ER 200 mg to 100mg twice a day. He also put me on Buspar for anxiety not an anti-depressant. I take 5mg Oxy for break through but that will lessen when I get my braces adjusted. I won't settle for anything less than townsends and I had to send the last ones back. So I am just waiting on a referral. Yes he did mention biofeedback and some other things. I don't want to be on medicine forever. I am hopeful the other person I am scheduled with will offer more as in teaching me how to relax and mind body skills. I think this kind of thing below will be an option as it is listed on their patient website. I know they have a faculty version for their students/